President Hugo Chavez Frias insists divisions are "a thing of the past"

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Tuesday, April 01, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

According to President Hugo Chavez Frias, divisions between Venezuela's military and its civilian population are now "a thing of the past." The President's comments came during the celebration of National Reservist's Day at the Fuerte Tiuna military base. Although the President was not actually present at the ceremony, his statement was readout to those present my the master of ceremonies.

"Uniformed or not uniformed, we are all Venezuelans, we are all citizens and we all aspire towards a free and beautiful homeland for ourselves and our children."

Since becoming the Venezuelan leader, the President has involved the military in many social projects and in the recent strikes the military played a key role in the distribution of food supplies across the country.